Opening and suction assembly for a drinking container

ABSTRACT

A cap assembly having a container with four walls and a scored finger portion disposed on a top portion of the container. The finger portion is positionable in an opened and closed position. A pouch attached to an inner side of the finger and an inner side of one of the four walls. The pouch has a first bottom opening and a second top opening so that when the finger portion is in an opened position, the second top opening is exposed for use.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/669,245, filed on Sep. 25, 2000, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally related to an improved retractable straw fordrinking containers, and more specifically, to a recloseable cap systemthat allows a user to conveniently drink liquids out of a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known to straws to drink liquid out of cans, bottles, andwide variety of other containers. A straw allows a user to create apartial vacuum to draw liquid out of a container and into their mouth sothat it can be swallowed. There are many reasons why using a straw maybe preferable to drinking directly from the container. To begin, it isoften unsanitary to drink from the exposed parts of a container. Theseparts of the container often become dirty when the container is shippedor awaits purchase. By using a straw, a user avoids direct contact withany of the exposed portions of the container. Another reason for using astraw is to avoid contact with sharp—and therefore sometimesdangerous—parts of a container, e.g., the mouth of an aluminum can. Yetanother reason for using a straw is the added convenience it brings todrinking from a container. Specifically, when a straw is being used, thecontainer does not need to be tipped in order to drink.

Straws typically must be purchased separately from drinks, or they areprovided gratis to a drink buyer at the point of sale. Straws that areseparate from containers often become misplaced. Therefore, it has beenknown to attach straws to some containers, e.g., drink boxes. Even moreconvenient is providing a drink container which includes aself-contained straw. As evidenced by prior art patents, there have beenmany attempts to provide such a container.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,674 to Pearson is for a container witha built in straw. The patent discloses a drinking straw that is formedwith a flexible corrugated section of material that is fixed to aflexible tab. The tab may be bonded between the sealing flaps of a papercontainer with the straw held inside the container. Alternatively, thetab can be fixed between the seal disk and cap of a bottle so that thestraw may be suspended inside a bottle. This reference provides noteaching of a cap system that is recloseable.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,817 to Payne et al. for a strawassembly for a liquid container. The patent discloses a straw assemblyfor a liquid container having a pull tab closure over an opening in itstop. The straw—which has a float mounted thereon—is free to extend toits full length when the container is opened. The device disclosed inthis reference is not recloseable. Moreover, this is a relativelycomplicated design.

Thus, there is a need for a recloseable cap system for a beveragecontainer that integrates a straw for convenient user access.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improvedretractable straw for use with a beverage container, that overcomes theshortcomings of prior art devices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a retractablestraw that is integrated into a cap that is recloseable.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide aretractable straw cap system that has multiple sealing points for itsrecloseable cap.

A further object is to provide a cap system that is simple and easy touse.

A still further object is to provide an improved cap system that iseconomical in cost to manufacture.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, a cap assembly isprovided for use in conjunction with a container having a base portionand a top portion. The base portion has a neck and a lip. The neck andlip are dimensioned to be attached to the container. The base portionhas a straw hole and preferably an air hole. In one embodiment, the topportion is attached to the base portion by a flexible bridge. The topportion has a gripping flange for sealing the straw hole and an air holestopper for sealing said air hole. Also integral to the top portion is aclip for holding the top portion to said base portion. A straw isadapted to be positioned within the straw hole of the base.

The above description sets forth rather broadly the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof that follows may be understood, and in order that the presentcontributions to the art may be better appreciated. Further objects andadvantages of this invention will be apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings forming a part of this specification, wherein like referencecharacteristics designate corresponding parts in the several views. Itis to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely forthe purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits ofthe invention, for which reference should be made to the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and additional objects and advantages in view, as willhereinafter appear, this invention comprises the devices, combinationsand arrangement of parts hereinafter described by way of example andillustrated in the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments inwhich like reference characters denote similar elements throughout theseveral views. The figures are not drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a cardboard beverage container with anintegrated recloseable cap system, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of a bottle with an integratedrecloseable cap system, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of a can with an integrated recloseablecap system, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of a recloseable cap system detached froma beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 b is partial sectional side view of a recloseable cap systemdetached from a beverage container, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 c is a top view of a recloseable cap system detached from abeverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the can shown in FIG. 1 c showing atelescoping straw in a closed position, according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the can shown in FIG. 1 c showing atelescoping straw in an open position, according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the can shown in FIG. 1 c showing apleated straw in a closed position, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the can shown in FIG. 1 c showing apleated straw with an elbow in a closed position, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the can shown in FIG. 1 c showing apleated straw in an open position, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the can shown in FIG. 1 c showing aflexible straw with flotation device, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of the cardboard beverage container shownin FIG. 1 a with an alternative embodiment of an integrated cap systemin a closed position;

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of the cardboard beverage container shownin FIG. 1 a with an alternative embodiment of an integrated cap systemin an open position;

FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of a cardboard beverage container with anintegrated straw in a closed position, according to one embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of a cardboard beverage container with anintegrated straw in a open position, according to one embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 10 a is a perspective view of a cardboard beverage container withan integrated pouch-straw system in a closed position;

FIG. 10 b is a perspective view of a cardboard beverage container withan integrated pouch-straw system in a open position; and

FIG. 10 c is a perspective view of a cardboard beverage container withan integrated pouch-straw system in a open position, according toanother embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With initial reference to FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c, a variety of drinkingcontainers are shown that incorporate a cap system 10. Specifically,FIG. 1 a shows cap system 10 used with a cardboard carton 70 whichtypically holds unpressurized beverages such as milk and juice. In FIG.1 b, cap system 10 is shown to be integrated into the top of a bottle72. And, in FIG. 1 c, cap system 10 is shown to be integrated into thetop of a can 74. Cap system 10 includes a straw 42 which is shown in itsretracted position in FIGS. 1 a and 1 c and in its extended position inFIG. 1 b. Cap system 10 is designed to serve the dual purpose of sealinga container and providing the user with a conveniently included straw.

With reference to FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c, more detailed views of cap 10are shown. Cap 10 includes a closeable top portion 22 that is connectedto a base 13 by a bendable bridge 20. Base 13 has a neck 16 which causesthere to be a lip portion 18 at the bottom of base 13. As described inmore detail below, neck 16 is used to attach assembly 10 to a container.A straw hole 14, along with an air hole 12, is formed through base 13.As for top portion 22, a gripping flange 24 is formed thereon andcorresponds to base 13. Extending from top portion 22 is tab 30 whichfurther includes an air hole stopper 26 and a clip 28. Preferably,assembly 10 is molded from plastic. However, any other suitable materialmay be used for this purpose.

Now turning to FIG. 3, top portion 22 is shown attached to can 74 asillustrated in FIG. 1 c. Neck 16 of base 13 retains the edge of anopening in top portion 75 of can 74 so that lip portion 18 is held onthe inside of can 74. Straw 42 in FIG. 1 c represents an inner straw 42which telescopes out of an outer straw 40. Inner straw 42 can befriction fit in straw 40. In one embodiment, straw 40 is held in opening14 of base 18 by friction fit. In another embodiment an adhesive holdsstraw 40 in place. Instead of attaching straw 40 to cap 10, straw 40 mayalternatively be an integral portion of cap 10. It is preferred that thebottom portion of straw 40 has scallops 46 to allow liquid to freelyflow into straw 40. Alternatively, a hole (not shown) may be disposed inthe bottom portion of straw 40 for the same purpose. For the sameeffect, straw 40 may be formed shorter than the height of can 74 so thatstraw does not reach to the bottom where it can be blocked. Inner straw42 may also include a tab 44, that, as described in more detail below,aids the user in bringing straw 42 into a drinking position.

Now turning to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the invention is shownwherein a single straw 43 is used in conjunction with system 10 asopposed to the telescoping system previously described. Straw 43 has apleated section 45 that can expand vertically as shown in FIG. 7. In thepreferred embodiment, straw 43 also includes a tab 44 for bringing straw43 into a drinking position. So that scallops 46 remain at the bottom ofcan 74 when a user pulls straw 43 into a drinking position, food-grade,water-resistant adhesive 48 may be used to hold straw 43 to the bottomof can 74. Scallops 46 may also be biased to the open position shown inFIG. 7 so that when the top is opened, the straw automatically movedinto drinking position.

As shown in FIG. 6, straw 43 may have an elbow portion 41 so that theend of the straw can reach the lowest point of can 74. It should benoted that this configuration can be used on any of the previouslydescribed embodiments. This has the advantage of allowing the user toreach liquid that may be otherwise unreachable using straw 43 shown inFIG. 5. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, straw 43 is held to the bottom of thecan by prongs 49. Prongs 49 can also be used in any of the previouslydescribed embodiments and have the advantage of being a relativelyinexpensive and dependable way to hold straw 43 in can 74.

In order to use assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a user first openstop portion 22 by grasping tab 30 and lifting it to break the sealformed by gripping flange 24 and base 13. Lifting tab 30 also unlocksclip 28 from base 13 which is a second sealing point for top portion 22.At this time, the seal formed by stopper 26 and air hole 12 is alsobroken. Now top portion 22 can be rotated to a fully open position byunfolding bridge 20. The user grasps tab 44 with mouth or fingers andpulls inner straw 42 to its extended position as is shown in FIG. 4.Similarly, with regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7,straw 43 is pulled upward, expanding pleats 45, so that it is in itsextended position. Now the user can sip the liquid contents of container74 which enter straw 40 through scallops 46. As liquid leaves container74, air enters container 74 through air hole 12 to prevent a partialvacuum from developing. Such a vacuum makes it difficult for the user tocontinue drinking from container 74. When the user is finished drinkingbut liquid remains in container 74 that user wishes to save straw 42 maybe put into its original closed position and top portion 22 may befolded over base 13 to seal assembly 10.

Now turning to FIG. 7A, a flexible straw 82 may also be used in place ofstraw 43 shown in previous embodiments. Straw 82 may include a float 84and a stopper 86. Preferably float 84 is a foam material that isrelatively lightweight. In one embodiment, float 84 and stopper 86 areattached to straw 82 by friction fit. Straw 82 freely slides in tube 41which can be integral to cap 10. Straw 48 is held to the bottom of can74 by adhesive 48 or other appropriate means so that straw 48 is alwaysin contact with liquid that is held in container 74. Float 84 causesstraw 82 to be biased against cap 10 when cap 10 is closed. This is aresult of the relative buoyancy of straw 82 which includes float 84.Thus, when cap 10 is opened, straw 82 rises out of can 74 until stopper86 impedes the movement of straw 82.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b shows an alternate embodiment of the system where cap10 as shown in FIG. 2 a is modified as cap 50 having a relatively largerand rectangular shaped opening 52 for accommodating a straw 47. Cap 50is configured to be attached to cardboard carton 70 in the invertedposition shown, and cap 50 does not have an air hole of cap 10. An airhole is not required because straw 47 does not completely cover opening52. Cap 50 also has a band 54 (FIG. 8 b) that is designed to retain thetop portion of straw 47.

In order drink from container 70, a user opens top portion 22 ofassembly 50 and rotates it open to expose straw 47. Straw 47 may now bepulled completely from band 54 and used as a conventional straw.Alternatively, straw 47 may be pulled out slightly from band 54 to allowthe user to drink more easily. Instead, a user may choose to drink fromstraw as it is shown in FIG. 8 b.

The embodiment of the invention shown FIGS. 9 a and 9 b provides accessto a drinking straw in a way that is similar to the embodiment in FIGS.8 a and 8 b. However, in this instance, cap assembly 50 is no longerrequired. Instead, carton 70 has a scored finger 60 that can be pulledopen to expose straw 62 that is attached to the underside of finger 60.Straw 62 has pleats 64 that allow it to bend without impeding the flowof liquid.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b. Inthis instance, a pouch 66 is sealed to the inside of container 70 alongedge 61. Pouch 66 is opened at either end with holes 68 and 69. In thisembodiment, scored finger 60 forms a straw-like neck that communicatesbetween hole 68 and pouch 66. Thus, liquid is drawn through pouch 66 asit would be drawn through a conventional straw. In one embodiment,protuberances 67 extend from the inside of pouch 66 to help preventpouch 66 from collapsing when a user creates suction while bringingliquid through hole 68. Preferably, pouch 66 is simply a liner that isattached to the inside of container 70 with the container itself servingas part of the pouch. In FIG. 10 c, pouch 66 is sealed to the innersurface of container 70. A ripple 92 in pouch 66 forms a straw that canbe accessed through scored finger 60.

While there has been shown and described particular embodiments of theinvention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications can be made therein without departing from theinvention, and therefore, the appended claims shall be understood tocover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention. Also it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation.

1. A cap assembly, comprising: a container having four walls and ascored finger portion disposed on a top portion of said container, saidfinger portion positionable in an opened and closed position; and apouch attached to an inner side of said finger and an inner side of oneof said four walls, said pouch having a first bottom opening and asecond top opening so that when said finger portion is in an openedposition, said second top opening is exposed for use.
 2. A cap assemblyas set forth in claim 1, wherein said pouch further comprises aplurality of protuberances that hold a center of said pouch in an openposition.
 3. A cap assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pouchhas two walls and one of said two walls is one of said four walls ofsaid container.